Judy M McCutcheon

Dear AFETT,

I work in a male-dominated industry and somehow I've managed to beat the odds to sit in a position of (junior) leadership.

My main issue is that I am the only manager who leads a majority female team. When we have problems to be addressed within the workplace, almost everyone (both junior and senior staff) expects me to speak out, and at that stage, when venting their issues, people are vocal with their disappointment and ideas for change within the workplace.

However, when I do speak out to senior leadership, there is no support from those same people and I am left as the one painted and labelled as a troublemaker. It looks like I am the one with all of the problems.

I have become so jaded and traumatised by successive occurrences of this that I no longer want to speak up, even when it is an issue that directly affects me.

Please help. I feel like I am shrinking into a version of myself that I no longer recognise. I am very unmotivated.

Dear Tremaine,

In the dynamic and often demanding world of work, trauma can show itself in many ways, affecting a person’s ability to speak up and advocate for themselves.

For many women in male-dominated industries, the leadership journey is often fraught with challenges, including navigating systemic biases and cultural norms that may undermine their contributions. The reluctance to speak up or voice concerns can stem from past experiences of marginalisation, discrimination or even harassment, leading to a sense of isolation and disempowerment.

As a female leader in such environments, it's not uncommon to feel the weight of these burdens, particularly when faced with the added challenge of being labelled a troublemaker for speaking out. The fear of reprisal or being dismissed can further exacerbate feelings of frustration and helplessness.

However, it's essential to recognise that this hesitancy to speak up is often a result of deep-rooted trauma and not a reflection of incompetence or inadequacy.

In times of adversity, the importance of female solidarity and support cannot be overstated. By coming together and lifting each other up, women can create a powerful network of allies who understand the unique challenges they face and are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

When females in the workplace support one another, barriers are broken and progress becomes unstoppable.

[caption id="attachment_1073574" align="alignnone" width="683"] Judy Mc Cutcheon -[/caption]

Here are some actionable steps you can take to help you navigate these challenges:

Build allies: Identify individuals within your organisation who are supportive and can advocate for you.

Cultivate relationships with colleagues, mentors, or other leaders who understand your perspective and can amplify your voice in the workplace.

Document everything: Keep detailed records of the issues you raise, responses from senior leadership and instances of lack of support.

Having evidence to support your concerns can strengthen your ca